By Dave Snyder
Scripture: Luke 22:19-20, John 13:3-17 CSB
And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, gave it to them, and said,“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way he also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t realize now, but afterward you will understand.”
“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.
Jesus replied,“If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”
“One who has bathed,” Jesus told him,“doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” For he knew who would betray him. This is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord — and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.
“Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
Devotion: Jesus is our example for humble service.
How has your journey been this week? I’m so glad you are experiencing the passion of Jesus this week. Continue following the story with me as today we look at the Lord’s Supper and the foot washing scene.
In today’s passages, look for the mercy and humility of our Savior. He showed mercy when He offered bread and wine as symbolic representation of the cross. Each element taken demonstrated both the severity of sin and remedy of the Messiah.
Whenever you take the Lord’s Supper, remember the cross. Remember the great price Jesus paid in order to set you free.
The foot washing scene teaches a valuable truth of humble service. As Christ followers, we are called to serve others. Loving others and putting their needs above our own demonstrates the beauty of the Gospel.
Jesus led and taught by example as He washed the feet of those around the table—the very posture of a servant. It brings to mind the fact that He is indeed the Son of Man that came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
During passion week, look for opportunities to serve others. Look for ways in which you can put the needs of others above your own.
Think of the Last Supper a meal served with unconditional love. Think of the foot washing as a servant’s act of grace. Be thankful. You are loved and grace has been served to you. Jesus provided it all.
Dave Snyder
Dave is the pastor at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. He holds an M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Southeastern Seminary. Dave has served churches in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
